News
HomeFree Receives Funding to Expand its Pioneering Work
The JPB Foundation has awarded Healthy Building Network funding to continue and expand the work of our pioneering HomeFree initiative, which improves the health of marginalized communities by advancing and accelerating the adoption of healthier materials in affordable housing. HomeFree connects the dots between the toxics in our built environment and human health implications – like asthma, developmental delays, cancer, and more. This funding will allow us to build capacity through new educational options, co-create actionable solutions with our regional and national partners, and scale our impact.
Read MoreNew Sealant Category for Healthier Energy Efficiency Programs
Healthy Building Network has introduced a new sealant category on HomeFree, our national initiative supporting affordable housing leaders who are improving human health by using less-toxic building materials. The new recommendations and hazard spectrum were developed by HBN for the Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA) Healthier Affordable Building Materials project.
Read MoreIt’s Not Just About VOCs: Select APE-free Paint, Too
Earlier this year, the Healthy Building Network (HBN) recommended specifying nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE)-free paints in addition to low- or very low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints to help protect human health and the environment. HBN is expanding this recommendation to include the broader category of chemical compounds known as alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), which encompass NPEs. Expanding the recommendation to include APEs will help avoid regrettable substitutions. If you have been concerned about VOCs in your paint,[1] you should be equally concerned about APEs, including NPEs. Read on to find out why and see a list of products without APEs.
Read MoreHome Depot Eliminates Toxic Chemicals From Paint, Flooring, and Insulation
Home Depot, the largest building product retailer in the U.S., has announced a sweeping new Chemical Strategy that considers several building product categories, including carpet, fiberglass insulation, paints, and laminate flooring.
Read MoreNew Report on Carpet Recycling
Healthy Building Network's report on post-consumer carpet feedstocks calls for eliminating over 40 highly toxic chemicals in carpets that threaten public health and impede recycling.
Read MoreQ&A from “When is it "green"? Preventing the Toxic Effects of Spray Foam Insulation”
Thanks to all who attended our webinar “When is it "green"? Preventing the Toxic Effects of Spray Foam Insulation”!
Read MoreHomeFree: Conversation With a Demonstration Project Partner
HomeFree had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Pat Stockhaus, a member of the Minnesota Demonstration Project Team.
Read MoreNew Report on Antimicrobial Building Products: Avoid Whenever Possible
Earlier this month, Healthy Building Network and the architecture firm Perkins+Will released the outcome of a year’s worth of research on the topic of antimicrobials in building products. After reviewing statements made by several government agencies, scientific and research publications, and claims made about individual products, Healthy Environments: Understanding Antimicrobial Ingredients in Building Materials concludes that there remains no evidence that the use of antimicrobial building products has any benefit to human health, and that these products should be avoided whenever possible.
Read MoreDoes Healthy SPF Exist?
Spray Foam products marketed as being healthier may be formulated without some of the hazardous chemicals traditionally found in SPF products, but don’t replace the really bad actor chemicals. SPF insulation - even those with improved formulations - remain at the bottom of our Stoplight chart, in dark red. (Updated, April 4, 2017.)
Read MoreDon’t Get Stuck With an Unhealthy Adhesive
We’ve heard from several HomeFree users that they’d like help understanding their best options for flooring adhesives. In response, Healthy Building Network has created another “stoplight chart” for adhesives ranking the most common options.
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